Defense Attorney Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM

For more than 170 years, The Hanover has been committed to delivering on our promises and being there when it matters the most. We live our values every day, demonstrating we CARE through our values, Sustainability initiatives and inclusive corporate culture .

Our staff counsel team is currently seeking a Lead Attorney for its Michigan office.

As an insurance defense attorney in our Michigan office, you will be part of a team providing legal representation to Hanover/Citizens’ insureds and/or Hanover/Citizens Insurance before courts and arbitration panels in all aspects of litigation.This is hybrid/full time/exempt role. Fully remote candidates may be considered.

Position Overview: Investigates and manages and tries the most complex cases in the region. This attorney’s inventory will possess the largest and most complex matters referred from claims. Other attorney’s may be assigned to work under this attorney’s direction on case-by-case basis where case complexity requires multiple attorneys to be assigned to the file. Lead trial attorney will serve as mentor to other developing trial attorneys.

In this role you will:

• Handles a case load consisting primarily of large, complex, high exposure lawsuits
• May specialize in several areas of law
• Provides direction and mentoring to others
• May assist Managing Attorney as needed in evaluating staff attorneys and support staff

What you need to apply:

• Must have extensive jury trial experience
• Significant experience with commercial lines litigation
• Knowledgeable in the basic principles of EPLI and employment law, health law, professional liability, business tort and general liability matters.
• Demonstrated ability to handle exposures of over 1 million dollars
• Must have a valid driver's license, an acceptable MVR and an ability to maintain confidentiality
• Admitted to the bar and must be licensed to practice law in MI
• Able to work in a team environment with other attorneys, adjusters, claims professionals and support staff
• Computer literacy, including MS Word, Lexis/Westlaw, and daily management of e-mail and calendar
• Advocacy: Exceptional ability to assist, defend or plead for another on the most complex cases
• Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to consistently and significantly influence claim outcomes through highly effective negotiation techniques
• Communication: Strong ability to deliberately and precisely exchange thoughts and opinions with one or more persons and to effectively translate legal language and ideas into layman's terms
• Decision Making: Strong ability to arrive at a determination in moderate to complex situations after careful consideration of facts and law without undo procrastination
• Organization Skills: Strong ability to categorize and prioritize work and information to effectively and efficiently maximize productivity
• Investigative Skills: Proficiency in following up step by step on inquiry or observation and search and examine with care and accuracy. Consistently able to take evidence that may be used in reaching a legal conclusion
• Legal Research: Proficiency in locating cases, treaties, codified laws and statutes aimed at the discovery and interpretation of law and to draw a reasonable and accurate conclusion or render an opinion there from
• Courtroom Skills: Demonstrates exceptional courtroom behavior, attire and decorum and is an expert with the rules and regulations that govern proceedings and conduct in courts of law or other legal forums and tribunals. Provides the highest professional service to clients and claims professionals
• Career Development: Takes proactive responsibility for their career development. Maintains the necessary skill levels.
• Trial Skills: Has a first rate ability to effectively present evidence and arguments of law to a judge or jury for determination of the facts at issue
• Business/Industry: Has an interest and solid knowledge of current and possible future policies, practices, trends and information affecting The Hanover Insurance Group’s businesses; Knowledgeable in the basic principles of property and casualty insurance
• Agile and Adaptive: Recognizes unexpected challenges and is able to be resilient, shift and remain on course.
• Mentor and Teach: Willingness and ability to mentor and teach others.

• Ability to use a personal computer and other standard office equipment
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods
• Required to work on-site as needed
• Ability to travel as necessary
• Ability to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week
• Ability to work in a fast paced, changing or stressful environment
• Ability to perform work in a noisy/loud work environment
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle

It’s not just a job, it’s a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. Through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching and our robust learning and development programs, we encourage you – at every level – to grow and develop.

We offer comprehensive benefits to help you be healthy, build financial security, and balance work and home life. At The Hanover, you’ll enjoy what you do and have the support you need to succeed.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401K with a company match
• PTO
• Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
• On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)

The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers. The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry or any other status protected by law. Furthermore, The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law.”

As an equal opportunity employer, Hanover does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who wish to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, should contact us at: HRServices@hanover.com and include the link of the job posting in which you are interested.

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The target hiring range for this role may vary based on geographic location and other factors, including merit or performance, demonstrated proficiency, skills for the role, education, travel requirements, and experience. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus (which could take the form of a general bonus, sales incentive, or short-term incentive), long-term incentive or spot recognition awards. The posted range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.